I was born and raised in Troy, New York. I first attended the races at Saratoga for my 16th birthday and I haven’t missed a racing season yet. I interned, and then went on to work full time for Ed Lewi Associates for a total of 10 years. After that, I went to work for a race horse trainer Kiaran McLaughlin and I traveled New York, Florida, Kentucky and a little bit of California for the next 8 years. In 2016 the National Museum of Racing and Hall of Fame was looking for a Development Director, I started with them in April. In 2019 I became Director, and I hope to be here for the rest of my career. I’ve been fortunate to call Saratoga Springs home for over 20 years!
I love to garden, cook, and be around horses.
Q: Please tell us a little bit about your family.
My family is all based in the Capitol Region, and my parents have an in-law apartment in my home.
Q: Please tell us about your current, past, or future career. What do you love most about what you do?
I love working at the National Museum of Racing and Hall of Fame. We have a really great team, and the staff is passionate about thoroughbred racing, education, the Museum’s amazing collection, and of course the Hall of Fame.
Q: What are a couple of your favorite restaurants in our community?
There are so many! Karavelli holds a special place in my heart not only for the great food, but some of Kiaran’s barn assistants worked there in the summers. Osteria Danny’s is amazing! Hamlet and Ghost never disappoints.
Q: How long have you lived or worked in our community?
25 years
Q: Who is the most interesting person you’ve met here in our community?
Charlie Kuenzel and Michael Veitch – two historians who have extensive knowledge of the history of Saratoga, the community, and the racing.
Q: If you could travel anywhere in the world right now, where would it be and why?
Lake Como, Italy. The view and the food.
Q: What is one of your favorite movies? TV shows?
Last of the Mohicans. Yellowstone.
Q: What advice would you give to people?
Always be kind and honest, there is a always a way to do both.
Q: What is something on your bucket list?
Build my own home.
Q: What is your go to band when you can’t decide what to listen to?
Zac Brown
Q: What current or former local business makes you the most nostalgic about our community?
The Wishing Well.
Q: If you could choose anyone that is alive today and not a relative; with whom would you love to have lunch? Why? And where locally would y’all meet for this lunch?
Harry Styles. Scallions.
Q: What is your favorite thing or something unique about our community?
The size.
Q: Where do you see yourself in 5 to 10 years?
Right where I am today.
Q: (Even for friends or family), what is something interesting that most people don’t know about you?
I am probably the most open person in the world, an over-sharer to a fault. I would love to travel back to Saratoga in the late 1800’s when the Grand Union Hotel on Broadway had over 1,500 guests. I’d love to see the carriages on Union, and experience a full day of historic Saratoga with the baths, races, and the casino at night.
Q: What is the most beautiful place you have ever been?
I’ve been lucky to see many beautiful places in this world, but if I have to choose one, I’d say a quiet lake in the Adirondacks surrounded by only nature.
Q: Favorite month? favorite holiday? and best single day on the calendar?
August. St. Patrick’s Day. January 1st.
Q: What would you rate a 10 out of 10?
The cauliflower and carnitas tacos at Taquero.
Q: Who inspires you to be better?
Ed Lewi even though he passed away in 2015, I think of him often
Q: What is one or two of your favorite smells?
Rose water
Q: Finally, what 3 words or phrases come to mind when you think of the word HOME?
Contentment. Familiarity. Safe.
